The Parable
A publication of the Calypso Presbyterian Church
Volume 7 Number 6
A Message from the Pastor . . . . . . . . .
I first of all want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Our savior has been born in Bethlehem! I’m sure most of you are familiar with the song “The 12 Days of Christmas.” I was always skeptical about the song, because quite frankly, the gifts don’t sound that appealing to me. I sang along like everyone else, but have always been curious about the song. First, why those gifts? I think you’d get a lot of puzzled looks and forced smiles if you gave some of those gifts today. I also wondered when the 12 days of Christmas took place. For a long time, I assumed that the 12 days of Christmas were the days leading up to Christmas. There is so much build up to Christmas Day, I thought those 12 days must have been preceding Christmas. To my surprise, those 12 days we sing about start on Christmas Day and go until we celebrate Epiphany on January 6th. I had always assumed they were the days leading up to Christmas. And why not? As soon as Christmas day is over, we’re ready for the busyness, the parties, the stress to be over. We’re tired. I see Christmas trees out on the side of the road the day after Christmas. Why not finish the celebration on Christmas day?As this newsletter comes out, Christmas Day has already passed. We’ve opened all the presents, maybe the Christmas tree is already at the curb and our lights and decorations are packed away for next year. Maybe we’ve gone back to work or school. Christmas feels like it’s over, right? But there is still reason to celebrate. There is still reason to say Merry Christmas. Like the song teaches us, Christmas is not over on Christmas day but just beginning.
In Advent, we wait and hope for the arrival of Jesus, God made flesh. On Christmas day, we finally celebrate his arrival. We have a savior who became human for us. Jesus is born. We shouldn’t stop our celebration, we should just be beginning. Christ is born in Bethlehem! Emmanuel, God is with us! Let’s continue to sing and celebrate. Christmas is not over, it has just begun!
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Christian New Year’s Resolutions
By Joanna Fuchs
How can I use the New Year, To better serve my Lord?
I’ll read my Bible every day, And be more in accord.
I’ll find new ways to serve others; I’ll love my neighbor, too.
I’ll focus on "give" instead of "get" In everything I do.
I’ll forgive the people I’m mad at; Angry feelings I’ll discard;
I’ll try to love my enemies, Even though it’s hard.
In the new year, I’ll lift people up, Instead of putting them down.
I’ll fill my heart with love and joy, and never wear a frown.
I’ll let go of my worries; I’ll put it all in His hands;
I’ll repent and try to sin less, And obey all His commands.
These new year’s resolutions Are difficult, at best
But there’s something I can do each day, That will put my soul at rest:
I’ll love my Lord with all my heart, With all my mind and soul,
And if I do that essential thing, All the rest will be in control.
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Looking Ahead
Jan. 1 Cents-Ability Collection
Jan. 2nd (Monday) All 3 Circles will meet
January 4th WNL @ 6:00
Jan. 8th Installation of new elders during worship
Jan. 9th Men’s meeting at the church @ 7p.m.
Jan. 11th Session meets
Jan. 18th WNL @ 6:00
Jan. 25th Committees meet
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Sunday School @ 10:00
Worship Service @ 11:00
(Nursery provided from 10:00-12:00
on Sunday Mornings)
Youth Group 6:00 p.m. Sunday Night
(7th-12th Grade)
Wednesday Night Live
(First & Third Wednesdays of each month, except
June, July & August)
Supper @ 6:00 p.m.
Classes available on WNL @ 7:00
Wee Presbyterians
Junior Choir
Adult
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Line Dance Classes
Come be a part of Dancing with the Calypso Presbyterian Stars. Watch the bulletin or bulletin board for the date and times. Class is for beginners as well as experts. Adults only.
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Prayer Concerns
Doris Flowers, Ashley Burnette, Ann Miller, Military Personnel and their
families, Gloria Morgan, Bobby Price, Lauren Wallace, Donald Taylor
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Cents-Ability Program Collection Dates:
January 1st
February 5th
March 4th
April 1st
In 2011, we collected $1,261.50 for our Cents- Ability offering. We will send $946.14 to Presbytery for hunger programs. We will keep the remaining $315.36 and put it toward our Backpack Program. Thanks to all who participated in our Cents-Ability Program this past year!
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Check us out on Facebook. This is one way for us to reach out to people and let everyone know what we are all about. We have placed events and news items on this page among other items. We feel it is another great way to keep up with what is going on in the life of our church. Look for us under Calypso Presbyterian Church.
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Backpack Buddies
Our Backpack Program number seems to increase every month, we are currently up to 21 children. The Nurture Committee would like to thank you for participating in this program. Your monetary donations have helped feed a lot of children. We hope we can count on your continued support.
Thanks again,
The Nurture Committee
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Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic
June 17-23, 2012 (Sun.-Sat.)
Projects for the groups change from week to week and might consist of construction (usually a house), a medical and dental clinic, some type of Vacation Bible School, and women’s cooperative that does crafts.
All ages and abilities are welcome. We'll be having an informational meeting hopefully sometime towards the end of January. The group is Mission Emmanuel, and they have a website, missionemanuel.org if you’d like to learn more or explore more about the mission trip. Please talk to Rev. Nielsen or Sarah Nielsen if you have any questions.
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Cruise with CPC Aboard the Carnival Valor Sept. 1, 2012 To the Southern Caribbean
Ports of call: Miami, Grand Turk, La Romana, Dominican Republic, Curacao, Aruba
Prices, island information are on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall or go to Carnival.com Another meeting will be held soon for all interested parties, it’s not too late to set sail with your mates at CPC! Watch the bulletin for the cruise meeting date and time.
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Youth Group News
The youth packed shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child on Nov. 13th. Our youth also adopted a family for Christmas from North Duplin. The family has 2 young boys.Thank you for making Christmas a little bit brighter for all these children both near and far.
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Joys, Announcements and Special Recognitions
CPC took 3rd place in the Faison Parade. Our float was a tribute to 911.
Thanks to all who helped or participated. A special note of thanks to Adele Baker for sewing the skirt and backdrop for the float.
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Church Web Page
Please be sure to check out the Church webpage. Sarah has placed Nick’s sermons on there. There will be some other changes in the near future. Put the church website on your favorites list and check back often.
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